What Makes the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Different From The 4S
Porsche 911 4 Vs 4S Specs Comparison
| Porsche 911 Carrera 4 | Porsche 911 Carrera 4S | Porsche 911 Targa 4 | Porsche 911 Targa 4S | |
| Engine | 3.0L flat-six | 3.0L flat-six | 3.0L flat-six | 3.0L flat-six |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed manual | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 379 HP | 443 HP | 379 HP | 443 HP |
| Torque | 331 LB-FT | 390 LB-FT | 331 LB-FT | 390 LB-FT |
| Top Speed | 179 MPH | 190 MPH | 179 MPH | 188 MPH |
| 0-60 | 4 seconds | 3.2 seconds | 4.2 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
| Price | $134,500 | $138,600 | $134,500 | $151,400 |
Sources: Porsche
Sensibly enough, “4” in a Porsche model name just means all-wheel-drive; it’s sending power to all four wheels. The difference between 4 and 4S is more complex. The simple answer is that “S” stands for “Speed” (or “Schnell”, we suppose); it’s an optional performance package. The jump from stock to S means a $17,000 leap in price, but it buys a comprehensive tuneup particularly focused on the flat-six engine.
The exact benefit of the S package differs across trim levels, but it’s pronounced in the 4 and 4S, differing by 70 horsepower and almost a full second from 0 to sixty. The S package also costs, adding $4,100 to the MSRP.
The new Targa trim level also offers a 4 and 4S option. HotCars’ complete overview of the 2024 Targa models found them to be more comfortable daily drivers than the pure 911, with a slightly softer suspension and more creature comforts.
Most importantly for motorheads considering a Porsche, the 7-speed manual transmission is only available on the Carrera and Targa 4S models. Every other model of the Porsche 911 comes stock with the automatic gearbox. As long as that’s the case, the Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa 4S will remain the only AWD manual-transmission sports cars in the Porsche lineup, and for now at least, the only ones on the market.
Other Manual Transmission Sports Cars You Can Buy
While the Porsche may be the last AWD manual-transmission sports car on the market in 2024, there are still Porsche-caliber models that sport one or the other. HotCars has listed all 14 of the sports cars available in 2024 with a manual transmission, but here are a few potential Porsche-killers with comparable specs.
2024 BMW M2
Specs
| Power | 453 HP |
| Torque | 406 LB-FT |
| Top Speed | 177 MPH |
| 0-60 | 3.9 seconds |
| Price | $64,195 |
Sources: BMW, Car and Driver
The BMW M2 lags a bit behind the Porsche in sheer performance, but at less than half the price, it’d be criminal not to mention it. HotCars’s comprehensive guide on the Bimmer found it responsive and lethally fast if a shade less comfortable as a daily driver than pricier competitors like the 911.
2024 Toyota GR Supra
Specs
| Power | 382 HP |
| Torque | 368 LB-FT |
| Top Speed | 155 MPH |
| 0-60 | 3.9 seconds |
| Price | $46,440 |
